Data transfer rate display selection

ABSTRACT

A device for displaying data transfer rates on a display. The device includes a system for displaying the transfer rates in an alphanumeric mode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system for switching between displaying the transfer rates in the alphanumeric mode and the graphics mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to communication devices capable ofdata and/or fax communication and, more particularly, to a system fordisplaying data transfer rates on a display.

[0003] 2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

[0004] Traditional modems tend to indicate data transmission rates withblinking lights. Mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones,are now capable of acting as modems. Because these mobile communicationdevices include a more intrinsic display than those available on atraditional modem, there is an ability to portray more useful connectionrate information to the user. In the past, Nokia Corp. has manufacturedand sold mobile phones which indicate data transmission rates usinggraphical indicators.

[0005] There may be a desire by a first type of user to provide thiscommunication rate information in an alphanumeric form. However, asecond type of user might be overwhelmed by the technical nature of theinformation if communicated in an alphanumeric form. For such secondtype of user, a graphical display format, such as in the Nokia Corp.mobile phones, might be preferred. For a third type of user, there mightbe a desire to not display the data transfer rate at all. There is adesire to provide a system which can accommodate at least two andperhaps all three types of these users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a devicefor displaying data transfer rates on a display is provided. The deviceincludes a system for displaying the transfer rates in an alphanumericmode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system for switching betweendisplaying the transfer rates in the alphanumeric mode and the graphicsmode.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, amobile radio communication device is provided having a display and atransceiver for transmitting and receiving data. The improvementcomprises means for displaying a data transfer rate of data with thetransceiver on the display in an alphanumeric format.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, amobile radio communication device is provided comprising a transceiver,a controller coupled to the transceiver, and a display. The display iscoupled to the controller. The controller is adapted to display on thedisplay an indication of a data transfer rate of data by thetransceiver. The communication device further comprises a system forinactivating display of the data transfer rate on the display while thetransceiver is transmitting or receiving the data.

[0009] In accordance with one method of the present invention, a methodof displaying a data transfer rate on a display is provided comprisingsteps of selecting, by a user, a data transfer rate display mode from aplurality of data transfer rate display modes; and displaying the datatransfer rate on the display based upon the selected data transfer ratedisplay mode.

[0010] In accordance with another method of the present invention, amethod of changing displaying of a data transfer rate on a display of aportable communication device is provided comprising steps of selecting,by a user, to turn a displaying feature of the data transfer rate ON orOFF; and during data transfer by the portable communication device, acontroller of the portable communication device, connected to thedisplay, preventing the display from displaying the data transfer ratewhen the user has selected to turn the displaying feature OFF.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing aspects and other features of the present inventionare explained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless communications system having aportable communication device incorporating features of the presentinvention shown operably coupled to a base station;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wireless communications systemshown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3A is a diagram of a first type of information which can bedisplayed on the display of the portable communication device shown inFIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3B is a diagram of a second type of information which can bedisplayed on the display;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a diagram of menus which can be displayed on the displayof the portable communication device shown in FIG. 1 for selecting adata transfer rate display mode;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a diagram of menus which can be displayed on the displayof the portable communication device shown in FIG. 1 during datatransfer; and

[0018] FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams of alternate forms of display screenswhich can be displayed on the display of the portable communicationdevice shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagram of a portion of awireless telecommunications system 5 having a mobile station or portablecommunication device 10 incorporating features of the present inventionshown operably coupled by a wireless link to a base transceiver station(BTS) 9 of an exemplary network operator. Although the present inventionwill be described with reference to the embodiments shown in thedrawings, it should be understood that the present invention can beembodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, anysuitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

[0020] Referring also to FIG. 2, the network operator 6 generallycomprises a mobile switching center (MSC) 7 for connecting to atelecommunications network, such as a public switched telephone networkor PSTN, at least one base station controller (BSC) 8, and a pluralityof base transceiver stations (BTS) 9 that transmit in a forward ordownlink direction both physical and logical channels to the mobilestation 10 in accordance with a predetermined air interface standard. Areverse or uplink communication path exists from the mobile station 10to the network operator 6, and conveys mobile station originated accessrequests and traffic, such as voice and possible packet data traffic.

[0021] The air interface standard may conform to, for example, a TimeDivision Multiple Access (TDMA) air interface, or a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) air interface, or a Frequency Division MultipleAccess (FDMA) air interface. In alternate embodiments, features of thepresent invention could be used with any suitable type of air interfacestandard. In an alternate embodiment, features of the present inventioncould be used with a wired communications system, such as a land linetelephone system.

[0022] The network operator 6 can include a Message Service Center(MSCT) 6A that receives and forwards messages from the mobile station10, such as Short Message Service (SAS) messages, or any wirelessmessaging technique including Email and supplementary data services. Inan alternate embodiment, features of the present invention could be usedwith any suitable type of network operator system.

[0023] The mobile station 10 typically includes a micro control unit(MCU) 12 having an output coupled to an input of a display 14 and aninput coupled to an output of a keyboard or keypad 16. The mobilestation 10 may be considered to be a hand-held radio telephone, such asa cellular telephone or a personal communicator, and may have amicrophone and a speaker for conducting voice communications. The mobilestation 10 could also be contained within a card or module that isconnected during use to another device. For example, the mobile station10 could be contained within a PCMCIA or similar type of card or modulethat is installed during use with a portable data processor, such as alaptop or notebook computer, or even a computer that is wearable by theuser.

[0024] The MCU 12 is assumed to include or be coupled to some type ofmemory 13, including a read only memory (ROM) for storing an operatingprogram, as well as a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storingrequire data, scratchpad data memory, received data packets and datapackets prepared for transmission, etc. A separate removable SIM (notshown) can be provided as well. The SIM could store, for example, apreferred public land mobile network (PLMN) list and other subscriberrelated information.

[0025] The mobile station 10 also contains a wireless section thatincludes a digital signal processor (DSP) 18, or equivalent high-speedprocessor, as well as a wireless radio frequency (RF) transceivercomprising a transmitter 20 and a receiver 22. The transceiver iscoupled to an antenna 24 for communication with the network operator 6.In an alternate embodiment, features of the present invention could beused with any suitable type of wireless communications device or mobilephone.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 1, the keypad 16 includes an alphanumeric keysection 16 a and a control key section 16 b. The control key section 16b includes two soft keys 24, 25 and an up/down scroll key 26. However,in alternate embodiments, the control key section could be comprised ofany suitable number or type of keys or cursor control device. The twosoft keys 24, 25 are located beneath two control indicator sections 27,28 of the display 14. When one of the soft keys 24, 25 are depressed,the controller 12 can perform the function listed in the controlindicator section 27, 28 located above the depressed soft key.

[0027] Referring now also to FIG. 3A, a diagram of a display screenusing a first mode of displaying information on the display 14 of theportable communication device 10 is shown. The display screen includes agraphical signal strength indicator 30, a graphical battery strengthindicator 32, the two control indicator sections 27, 28 havingcontrol/menu features listed therein, and a data transfer rateindication 34. The data transfer rate indication 34 is displayed on thedisplay 14 during data transfer between the phone 10 and the basestation 9. The data transfer rate indication 34 is displayed on thedisplay 14 to indicate to the user transmitting and/or receiving ratesbetween the phone 10 and the base station 9.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the data transfer rate indication 34comprises two sections; a transmitting data transfer rate section 36 anda receiving data transfer rate section 38. However, in alternateembodiment, the data transfer rate indication 34 could comprise only atransmitting data transfer rate indication or only a receiving datatransfer rate indication. In such an alternate embodiment, the datatransfer rate indication 34 displayed on the display 14 couldautomatically switch between the transmitting and the receivingindications based upon the status of the phone 10 receiving ortransmitting data.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the transmitting datatransfer rate section 36 generally comprises a text descriptor 40associated with a graphical indicator 42. The text descriptor 40, in theembodiment shown, merely comprises the term “Transmitting:”. However, inalternate embodiments, the text descriptor 40 could comprise anysuitable type of descriptive text, or could comprise a graphicaldescriptor, or could comprise a combination of text and graphics. Forexample, in an alternate embodiment the text descriptor 40 couldcomprise the term “Sending:”.

[0030] The graphical indicator 42, in the embodiment shown, comprises aplurality of sideward facing arrows or triangles 44. The arrows 44comprise a darkened center or a non-darkened center. The totality of thearrows 44 (six in the embodiment shown) graphically indicate a maximumtransmission rate between the phone 10 and the base station 9. Thenumber of arrows having a darkened center indicate a percentage of themaximum transmission rate actually being used to transmit data from thephone 10 to the base station 9. In the illustration shown in FIG. 3A,three of the six arrows 44 have a darkened center. Thus, in the exampleillustrated, the phone 10 is transmitting at a data transfer rate ofabout fifty percent of its maximum transmission rate. The number ofarrows having a darkened center and a non-darkened center will increaseand decrease as the actual data transfer rate of transmitting data fromthe phone 10 to the base station 9 increases and decreases.

[0031] The receiving data transfer rate section 38 generally comprises atext descriptor 46 associated with a graphical indicator 48. The textdescriptor 46, in the embodiment shown, merely comprises the term“Receiving:”. However, in alternate embodiments, the text descriptor 46could comprise any suitable type of descriptive text, or could comprisea graphical descriptor, or could comprise a combination of text andgraphics.

[0032] The graphical indicator 48, in the embodiment shown, comprises aplurality of sideward facing arrows or triangles 50. The arrows 50 pointin an opposite direction relative to the arrows 44. The arrows 50comprise a darkened center or a non-darkened center. The totality of thearrows 50 (six in the embodiment shown) graphically indicate a maximumreceiving rate between the phone 10 and the base station 9. The numberof arrows having a darkened center indicate a percentage of the maximumreceiving rate actually being used to transmit data to the phone 10 fromthe base station 9. In the illustration shown in FIG. 3A, three of thesix arrows 50 have a darkened center. Thus, in the example illustrated,the phone 10 is receiving at a data transfer rate of about fifty percentof its maximum receiving rate. The number of arrows 50 having a darkenedcenter and a non-darkened center will increase and decrease as theactual data transfer rate of receiving data by the phone 10 from thebase station 9 increases and decreases.

[0033] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3A is intended to illustrate agraphics mode of displaying data transfer rates on the display 14. Inalternate embodiments, any suitable type of graphics could be used inthe graphical indicators 42, 48. In addition, any suitable graphicscould be used to illustrate a change between data transfer maximum rateand actual rate. In addition to the graphics mode of display datatransfer rates on the display 14, the phone 10 is also adapted to use analphanumeric mode of displaying data transfer rates on the display 14.

[0034] Referring also to FIG. 3B, a diagram of a display screencomprising a second mode of displaying information on the display 14 ofthe portable communication device 10 is shown. The display screenincludes the graphical signal strength indicator 30, the graphicalbattery strength indicator 32, the two control indicator sections 27, 28having control/menu features listed therein, and the data transfer rateindication 52. The data transfer rate indication 52 is displayed on thedisplay 14 during data transfer between the phone 10 and the basestation 9. The data transfer rate indication 52 is displayed on thedisplay 14 to indicate to the user transmitting and/or receiving ratesbetween the phone 10 and the base station 9.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the data transfer rate indication 52comprises two sections; a transmitting data transfer rate section 54 anda receiving data transfer rate section 56. However, in alternateembodiment, the data transfer rate indication 52 could comprise only atransmitting data transfer rate indication or only a receiving datatransfer rate indication. In such an alternate embodiment, the datatransfer rate indication 52 displayed on the display 14 couldautomatically switch between the transmitting and the receivingindications based upon the status of the phone 10 receiving ortransmitting data.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the transmitting datatransfer rate section 54 generally comprises a text descriptor 58associated with an alphanumeric indicator 60. The text descriptor 58, inthe embodiment shown, merely comprises the term “Transmitting:”.However, in alternate embodiments, the text descriptor 58 could compriseany suitable type of descriptive text, or could comprise a graphicaldescriptor, or could comprise a combination of text and graphics.

[0037] The alphanumeric indicator 60 generally comprises a numberfollowed by a rate descriptor. In the embodiment shown, the ratedescriptor comprises the term “kbps” to indicate kilobits per second.Thus, in the illustration shown, the phone 10 is transmitting at 145kilobits per second. The number in the alphanumeric indicator 60 willchange to indicate the actual or approximate data transfer rate of databeing transmitted from the phone 10 to the base station 9.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the receiving data transferrate section 56 generally comprises a text descriptor 62 associated withalphanumeric indicator 64. The text descriptor 62, in the embodimentshown, merely comprises the term “Receiving:”. However, in alternateembodiments, the text descriptor 62 could comprise any suitable type ofdescriptive text, or could comprise a graphical descriptor, or couldcomprise a combination of text and graphics.

[0039] The alphanumeric indicator 64 generally comprises a numberfollowed by a rate descriptor. In the embodiment shown, the ratedescriptor comprises the term “kbps” to indicate kilobits per second.Thus, in the illustration shown, the phone 10 is receiving at 28kilobits per second. The number in the alphanumeric indicator 64 willchange to indicate the actual or approximate data transfer rate of databeing received by the phone 10 from the base station 9.

[0040] The phone 10 could be adapted to display the data transfer ratesin either only the alphanumeric mode (FIG. 3B) or only the graphics mode(FIG. 3A). However, in a preferred embodiment, the phone 10 is adaptedto display the data transfer rates both in the alphanumeric mode oralternatively in the graphics mode. In a preferred embodiment, the phone10 is adapted to allow the user to select the mode of display. However,in an alternate embodiment, the mode of display could be selected by amanufacturer and intended not to be changed by a user. This could allowa manufacturer to configure a same phone for different regions havingdifferent user preferences in those regions.

[0041] Referring now also to FIG. 4, a series of menus or screensdisplayed on the display 14 for changing the data transfer rate displaymode is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the soft key 25 would initially bedepressed to activate the menu function listed in the control indicatorsection 28 of the display 14. When entered into the menu function theuser could depress the up/down scroll key 26 to scroll to the settingscreen 70 shown in FIG. 4. The user could then depress the soft key 25to select the settings menu. The user could then depress the up/downscroll key 26 to scroll to the call settings screen 72. The user couldthen depress the soft key 25 to select the call settings menu. The usercould then depress the up/down scroll key 26 to scroll to the data/faxcalls screen 74. The user could then depress the soft key 25 to selectthe data/fax calls menu. The user could then to depress the up/downscroll key 26 to scroll to the data rate indicators screen 76. The datarate indicators screen 76 preferably as an indicator section 78 whichindicates the present data rate illustration mode. The user could thendepress the soft key 25 to show the data rate indicators screen 80. Theuser could then use the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82to a desired one of the data rate illustration modes on the menu. Bypressing the soft key 25 the user would select the mode highlighted bythe highlighter 82.

[0042] The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 4 is only one type ofmethod that could be employed to change the data transfer rateillustration mode. In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type ofmenus or screens for the user to select or changed the data transferrate illustration mode could be provided.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the data rate indicatorsscreen 80 includes a third data transfer rate illustration mode; an OFFor NONE mode. This type of mode prevents the data transfer rate frombeing displayed. The user can select the OFF mode. If the OFF mode isselected, then the data transfer rate indications 34 and/or 52 will notbe displayed on the display 14 during data transfer. Thus, the user canselect to turn the displaying feature of the data transfer rate ON orOFF. The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 4 are generally intendedto be used while the phone 10 is not in active communication with thebase station 9. Referring now also to FIG. 5, a series of menusdisplayed on the display 14 for changing the data transfer rate displaymode while the phone 10 is in active communication with the base station9 is shown. When the phone 10 is in active communication with the basestation 9, the control indicator section 28 of the display 14 does notlist the menu function, but instead lists an “options” function. If theuser depresses the soft the 25 the Options screen 84 will appear on thedisplay 14. With the Options screen 84 displayed on the display 14, theuser can depress the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82onto the data rate indicators selection. The user can then depress thesoft key 25 to show the data rate indicators screen 80. The user canthen depress the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82 to thedesired display mode. The user can then depress the soft key 25 toselect the highlighted display mode and thereby return to the mainscreen with the selected data transfer rate display mode now being usedto display the data transfer rate information on the display 14.

[0044] The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 5 is only one type ofmethod that could be employed to change the data transfer rateillustration mode while the phone 10 is in active communication with thebase station 9. In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of menusor screens for the user to select or changed the data transfer rateillustration mode while the phone 10 is in active communication with thebase station 9 could be provided. For example, in one type of alternateembodiment, during active communication with the base station thedisplay 14 could comprise the “Menu” descriptor for the controlindicator section 27 as shown in FIG. 1 and, the menus and screensillustrated in FIG. 4 could be used. Thus, in this alternate embodiment,the method illustrated in FIG. 5 might not be used and the methodillustrated in FIG. 4 might be used for both situations; the firstsituation of when the phone is in active communication with the basestation and, the second situation of when the phone is not in activecommunication with the base station. In alternate embodiments, the phone10 could be adapted to allow the change in the data transfer rateillustration mode to be made only while the phone is in activecommunication with the base station, or only while the phone is not inactive communication with the base station.

[0045] Referring now also to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, an alternateembodiment of the graphical display mode is shown. In this alternateembodiment, the graphical indicator 90 comprises a plurality of slantedblocks 92. The blocks 92 comprise a darkened center or a non-darkenedcenter. The totality of the blocks (six in the embodiment shown)graphically indicate a maximum transmission rate between the phone 10and the base station 9. The number of blocks having a darkened centerindicate a percentage of the maximum transmission rate actually beingused to transmit data from the phone 10 to the base station 9. In theillustration shown in FIG. 6A, three of the six blocks 92 have adarkened center. Thus, in the example illustrated, the phone 10 istransmitting at a data transfer rate of about fifty percent of itsmaximum transmission rate. The number of blocks having a darkened centerand a non-darkened center will increase and decrease as the actual datatransfer rate of transmitting data from the phone 10 to the base station9 increases and decreases.

[0046] The graphical indicator 94 comprises a plurality of slantedblocks 96. However, the slanted blocks 96 are slanted in an oppositedirection relative to the slanted blocks 92. The blocks 96 comprise adarkened center or a non-darkened center. The darkened and non-darkenedcenters of the blocks 96 function the same way as the blocks 92 toindicate the actual reception rate versus maximum reception rate of datawith the phone. Use of slanted blocks 92, 96 can allow for a greaterplurality of indicators in each line. Although only six blocks are shownin each line, if the width of each line is diminished, more than sixblocks can be provided.

[0047]FIG. 6A generally illustrates data being transmitted and receivedby the phone 10 at the same time. FIG. 6B generally illustratestransmitting of data by the phone 10 without data being received by thephone at the same time. FIGS. 6C generally illustrates receiving of databy the phone without data being transmitted by the phone at the sametime. In the embodiment shown, the blocks 92 darken from left to rightand the blocks 96 darken from right to left. However, they could darkenin the same direction.

[0048] The present invention provides a mechanism whereby the user mayselect the type of data transmission rate display most appropriate forthem. This mechanism also allows the user to shut OFF all datatransmission rate displays, in view the standard in-call user interfaceusing active data (or fax) calls. In the alphanumeric display mode,numerical data rates can indicate to the users their current data ratein exact numbers. However, for some less technical users, thisinformation may be overwhelming. Graphical data indicators, on the otherhand, are less intimidating for the user, but do not give exactinformation about the current data rate. Instead, they only provideinformation about where the current rate falls in relation to the peakrate. The present invention allows the user to choose the display modebased upon their own level of technical information desired. Thisprovides an advantage of greater flexibility and personalization of thetelephone's operation for the specific user.

[0049] It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for displaying data transfer rates on adisplay comprising: a system for displaying the transfer rates in analphanumeric mode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system forswitching between displaying the transfer rates in the alphanumeric modeand the graphics mode.
 2. A system for displaying data transfer rates asin claim 1 wherein the system for switching comprises a keypad on aportable radio communication device.
 3. A system for displaying the datatransfer rates as in claim 1 wherein the system for displaying thetransfer rates in the alphanumeric or graphics mode comprises means fordisplaying transmitting rates and receiving rates.
 4. A system fordisplaying the data transfer rates as in claim 1 wherein the system forswitching comprises a menu selectable feature displayed on the display.5. A system for displaying the data transfer rates as in claim 1 furthercomprising a system for inactivating display of the data transfer rateon the display.
 6. A system for displaying the data transfer rates as inclaim 1 wherein the system for switching comprises means for notdisplaying the transfer rates in either the alphanumeric mode or thegraphics mode.
 7. A mobile radio telephone comprising: a display; atransceiver; and a controller coupled to the display and thetransceiver, wherein the controller further comprises the system fordisplaying data transfer rates as recited in claim
 1. 8. In a mobileradio communication device having a display and a transceiver fortransmitting and receiving data, the improvement comprising: means fordisplaying a data transfer rate of data with the transceiver on thedisplay in an alphanumeric format.
 9. A mobile radio communicationdevice as in claim 8 further comprising means for displaying the datatransfer rate on the display in a graphical format, and means forswitching between the alphanumeric format and the graphical format. 10.A mobile radio communication device as in claim 9 wherein the means forswitching comprises a user actuatable keypad.
 11. A mobile radiocommunication device comprising: a transceiver; a controller coupled tothe transceiver; a display coupled to the controller, wherein thecontroller is adapted to display on the display a data transfer rate ofdata by the transceiver; and a system for inactivating display of thedata transfer rate on the display while the transceiver is transmittingor receiving the data.
 12. A mobile radio communication device as inclaim 11 wherein the controller is adapted to display the data transferrate in either an alphanumeric format or a graphical format.
 13. Amobile radio communication device as in claim 12 further comprising asystem for allowing a user to switch between display of the datatransfer rate in either the alphanumeric format or the graphical format.14. A mobile radio communication device as in claim 13 wherein thesystem for allowing a user to switch between display formats comprises amenu selectable feature.
 15. A mobile radio communication device as inclaim 14 wherein the menu selectable feature also allows the user toactivate the system for inactivating display of the data transfer rate.16. A mobile radio communication device as in claim 11 wherein thesystem for inactivating display comprises a menu selectable feature. 17.A method of displaying a data transfer rate on a display, the methodcomprising steps of: selecting, by a user, a data transfer rate displaymode from a plurality of data transfer rate display modes; anddisplaying the data transfer rate on the display based upon the selecteddata transfer rate display mode.
 18. A method as in claim 17 wherein theplurality of data transfer rate display modes comprises an alphanumericdisplay mode and a graphical display mode.
 19. A method as in claim 18wherein the plurality of data transfer rate display modes furthercomprises an OFF display mode which prevents displaying of the datatransfer rate on the display.
 20. A method as in claim 17 wherein thestep of selecting a data transfer rate display mode comprises selectingthe display mode from a menu of available display modes displayed on thedisplay.
 21. A method of changing displaying of a data transfer rate ona display of a portable communication device, the method comprisingsteps of: selecting, by a user, to turn a displaying feature of the datatransfer rate ON or OFF; and during data transfer by the portablecommunication device, a controller of the portable communication device,connected to the display, preventing the display from displaying thedata transfer rate when the user has selected to turn the displayingfeature OFF.